Master of Science

Two tracks are available for graduate study for the Master of Science: Option A, a traditional M.S. in Biokinesiology, is open to physical therapists who hold a bachelor's degree and have clinical experience. The program also is open to college graduates in fields other than physical therapy who have a strong interest in kinesiology and movement sciences. Option B is a clinical specialization program for the M.S. in Physical Therapy and Biokinesiology. Candidates for the clinical specialist track are limited to those persons in physical therapy who are licensed (or eligible) to practice in California.

Admission Requirements

Admission requirements include a satisfactory grade point average in all undergraduate and professional courses, acceptable scores on the general test of the Graduate Record Examinations, and supporting letters of reference. The faculty may request a personal interview. Admission will be considered for fall, spring or summer terms but sequences of courses make fall the preferred starting time. Deadline for application is four months prior to the proposed starting date. All applicants should contact the Department of Biokinesiology and Physical Therapy for advisement.

Prerequisites

The prerequisite for applicants to the Master of Science program in biokinesiology is either: (a) a bachelor's degree or higher with a science major or equivalent; or (b) a bachelor's or master's degree in physical therapy with appropriate basic science content. Applicants should have a superior undergraduate or graduate record at an accredited college or university. Courses completed at the time of application must include work (with appropriate laboratory study) in chemistry, mathematics, physics and biology. Highly recommended is course work in anatomy, physiology, calculus, histology, kinesiology, trigonometry, analytical geometry, exercise physiology and biochemistry. Candidates should have some degree of computer literacy. International applicants will be considered on a special evaluation of credentials. Students deficient in certain prerequisites may be admitted subject to completion of requirements within two years after admission. An additional year may be granted upon review of the student's program by a faculty committee. Work in any prerequisite subjects will not be part of the required units for the Master of Science.

Degree Requirements

This degree is awarded under the jurisdiction of the Graduate School. Students also should refer to the Requirements for Graduation section and the Graduate School section of this catalogue for general regulations. All courses applied toward the degree must be courses accepted by the Graduate School.

Physical Therapist Applicants

Physical therapists seeking graduate study have two options: Option A, a traditional program, including course work and research for the M.S. in Biokinesiology; Option B, a clinical specialist program combining academic study and research with an advanced clinical residency for the M.S. in Biokinesiology (Physical Therapy). Available areas of specialization include musculoskeletal disorders, cardiorespiratory disorders and neurological disorders, with a subspecialty in development disorders. Programs of study are tailored to meet individual needs and goals as well as different backgrounds, provided the applicant's interest falls within the broad categories mentioned.

Non-Physical Therapist Applicants

Persons who are not physical therapists seeking graduate study for the M.S. in this department may apply only to the Option A program (M.S. in Biokinesiology) described above.

Course Requirements, Option A

Completion of this program requires satisfactory completion of a minimum of 32 credits of course work at the 500 level or above, a research project (590) and a comprehensive examination.

Required courses - Option A		Units
BKN 559	Readings in Pathokinesiology	1-4, max 8
BKN 576	Seminar	1, max 2
BKN 590	Directed Research	1-12
PM 510L	Biometry Principles	4

Other course work will be assigned to meet individual needs by the graduate faculty of the department. Departmental offerings for the M.S. are included in the M.S./Ph.D. course listing. Course work outside the department is encouraged.

Clinical Specialist Program, Option B

This program is designed for physical therapists who have demonstrated a high degree of proficiency in clinical practice and wish to enhance their professional contributions and leadership capabilities through an opportunity for in-depth study and experience in a circumscribed area of practice.

Course Requirements, Option B

This program of study is available only to therapists who have clinical experience as a physical therapist and are licensed to practice in California or are eligible for licensure. All clinical specialist programs require a minimum of 12 months in residence for completion of the degree and diploma of specialization plus a faculty and student planned clinical residency program. Some students may require a longer time if prior clinical experience is minimal. Individual programs are planned with each candidate.

Students must complete a minimum of 36 credits at the 500 level or above, including a research project (590), the advanced clinical residency and a comprehensive examination.

Required courses - Option B		Units
BKN 559	Readings in Pathokinesiology	1-4, max 8
BKN 590	Directed Research	1-12
PM 510L	Biometry Principles	4
PT 595abcd	Residency in Advanced Clinical Physical Therapy	3-3-3-3

Selected students with the approval of the graduate faculty may have formal registration for PT 595abcd (or portions thereof) waived when an opportunity is present for a special outside residency program in the student's area of specialization.

Other course work will be assigned to meet individual needs by the graduate faculty of the department. Departmental offerings are included in the M.S./Ph.D. course listing. Course work outside the department is encouraged.

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